Vapor-generating apparatus for hydrocarbon-burners.



No. 707,689. Patented Au 26, 1902.

T. J. FORDE.

VAPUR GENERATING APPARATUS FOR HYDBOCARBDN BURNERS.

(Application filed Apr. 11, 1901.)

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet l.

A; A TTOHNE rs n1: uonms PETERS cu. PHOTO-LITHQ, WASHINDTQN, D. c.

No. 707,689. Patented Aug. 26, I902.

T. J. FORDE.

VAPOR GENERATING APPARATUS FOR, HYDROCARBON BURNERS.

(Application filed Apr. 11, 1901.) (No Model.) 3 Sheets-Shem 2.

WITNESSES lNVEN 0f? IQMQIQJ F BY' IL A TTOHNEYJ fa: ugpmgynsn; CO,IPNOTO-LITNO,, WASHINGTON n. c

No. 707,689. Patentad Aug. 26,1902.

T. J. roam-z.

VAPOR GENERATING APPARATUS FOR HYDROCARBON BURNERS.

(Application filed Apr. 11, 1901.)

(No Model.)

3 Sheatr-Shee! 3.

W/TNESSES. g w VEINTOR LQM'JQLOQL o A BY- UNITED STATES THOMAS J. FORDE,

PATENT OFFICE.

OF GENEVA, OHIO.

VAPOR-GENERATING APPARATUS FOR HYDROCARBON-BURNERS.

SPECIFICATION forming part Of Letters Patent No. 707,689, dated August 26, 1902.

Application filed April 11, 1901. Serial No. 55,284. (No modeld To all whom, it may concern.-

Beitknown that LTHOMAS J. FORDE, a resident of Geneva, in the county of Ashtabula and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Vapor-Generating Apparatus for Hydrocarbon Burners, and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and us the same.

My invention relates to improvements in vapor-generating apparatus for hyd rocarbonburners.

The primary object of this invention is to provide apparatus of the character indicated which is capable of producing an aeriform or gaseous inflammable fluid well adapted for burning with an incandescent mantle, which has an exceedingly large capacity and is very economical and reliable in its operation, and comprises such a construction and arrange ment of parts that the liability to fires or explosions heretofore liable to result from the operation of apparatus of the character indicated is successfully avoided.

With this general object in view and to the end of realizing other advantages hereinafter appearing the invention consists in certain features of construction and combinations of parts'hereinafter described, and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, FigureI is a side elevation, partly in section, of apparatus embodying my invention, and portions are broken away and in section in this figure to reduce the size of the same and to more clearlyillustrate the construction. Fig. II is a side elevation, largely in section, of a valvecasing containing a back-pressure valve, a check-valve, and cut-off valve, and instrumental in maintaining the required air-pressure upon the body of oil within the oil-supply reservoir of the apparatus, and this figure shows the parts full size. Fig. III is a side elevation, mainly in vertical section, of the vapor-generator and the connected generator-heater and valve-casings and other portions of my improved apparatus, showing the parts approximately full size. Fig. IV is a horizontal section on either one of lines IV IV, Fig. III. Fig. V is avertical section on line V V, Fig. III, looking in the direction indicated by thearrow. Fig. VI is a horizontal section on line VI VI, Fig. III. Fig. VII is a horizontal section on line VII VII,

Fig. III, and portions are'broken away in this figure to more clearly show the construction. Fig. VIII is a horizontalv section on line VIII VIII, Fig. III, looking upwardly. Fig. IX is a section on line IX IX, Fig. V, looking in the direction indicated by the arrow.

Referring to the drawings, ct designates a vapor-generator which com prises, preferably, two parallel vertically-arranged pipes or hollow cylindrical members a and a, arranged a suitable distance apart laterally and forming the central section of the generator, a hollow cap or top section (1*, and a hollow base or bottom section (L The tubular sections or pipes a and a have their lower ends screw-threaded externally and engaging (see Fig. III) correspondingly-threaded apertures 12, formed in the upper wall of the base a and consequently the passage-ways extending through the pipes a and a are in open relation at their lower ends with the chamber of the base a The pipes a and a of the generator have their upper ends engaging corresponding apertures 13, formed in the lower wall of the top section a which is brazed or otherwise rigidly secured to the said pipes a and ct. The base or bottom section a has (see Figs. I and III) a lateral aperture 14, which is engaged by the discharging end of the oil-supply pipe-line b. The aperture 14 constitutes the oil-inletof the generator. The said inlet is of course located below, but preferably centrally, between the pipes at and a, of the generator. The inflammable gasolene or hydrocarbon oil is introduced, therefore, into the chamber of the hollow base a of the generator, and the vapor generated within the generator ascends through the pipes a, and a into the chamber of the cap or top section a of the generator. The oil-supply pipe-line b has its receiving end connected and in open relation with the lower or oil-containing portion of the oil-supply reservoir 0, (see Fig. 1,) which is located a suitable distance from the generator and preferably outside of the building supplied with the inflammable aeriform or gaseous mixture produced by my improved ICO apparatus for heating and lighting purposes. The reservoir 0 is shown located at an elevation below the floor-line 15 of abuilding provided with the said apparatus. The upper portion of the chamber of the reservoir 0 constitutes an air-space a, into which air under suitable pressure-a pressure of from five to thirty pounds, according to circumstances is introduced, and the air under pressure within the said air-space is instrumental in forcingoil from the said reservoir into the pipeline b and becomes saturated or laden with vapor rising from the body of oil 0 within the said reservoir. The pipe-line b is provided with a valve or valves 12 for controlling the supply of oil to the generator. The pipe-line b has preferably two valves I), located the one near the generator and the other in close proximity to the oil-reservoir. Both of the said valves 1) are opened, if not already open, to establish a flow of oil from the said reservoir to the generator, and the valve 1), next to the reservoir, will be left open until repairs in or a rearrangement of the pipe-line 1) becomes necessary; but the valve 17 next to the generator is opened or closed according as the generator is to be placed into or out of service. An air-conducting pipe-line d supplies air to the upper and air-containing portion of the oil-supply reservoir 0. (See Fig.1.) The pipe-line 61 extends, preferably, through the top of the oil-supply reservoir straight downwardly into the lower and oil-containing end of the said reservoir, so that the air supplied to the said reservoir has to pass through the body of oil within the reservoir, whereby the saturation or lading of the air with oil-vapor is facilitated. The pipe-line d has its receiving end connected with the upper end of the air-supply reservoir 6, which is provided in any approved manner with a pum p c for supplying the said reservoir e with air under pressure. The air-supply reservoir 6 and the connected pump 6 are preferably located above the floor-line 15 in the building wherein the generatoris provided. The pump is operated until a suitablepressure-say from sixty-five to one hundred pounds of pressure, according to cir,cumstancesis established within the air-reservoir.

The pipe-lined,which, as already indicated, connects the air-reservoir with the oil-reservoir, is provided with a back-pressure valve d, whereby the desired air-pressure within the oil-reservoir can be maintained notwithstanding a difference of air-pressure within the two reservoirs. The valve d (see Fig. II) is located within the chamber 01 of the valve-casing d -between the inlet d and the outlet (1 of the valve casing, and said outlet and inlet are arranged in the line of the pipeline d. A port d is in open relation with and extends inwardly from the inlet (1 of the valve-casing and has its inner and discharging end arranged to discharge into the valvecasing chamber d toward the valve d, which is movable toward and from the said end of the port at and opens or closes the said port according as it' is actuated from or against the port. The valve 01 is formed upon an arm 17 of a flexible diaphragm 18, which is suitably applied within the valve-casing and forms one of the walls of the valve-casing chamber d with which the inlet (1 andthe outlet 02 connect. The diaphragm 18 engages an outwardly-facing shoulder 19, formed on the valve-casing. The valve-casing has an annular internally-screw-threaded fiange20 around the shoulder 19,and acorrespondinglyscrew-threaded ring 21 is screwed into the said flange. An externally-screw-threaded endwise-adjustable sleeve 22 engages corresponding threads formed internally of the outer end of the ring 21. The diaphragm 18 has a stem 23, extending outwardly centrally of and through the ring 2]. and through the sleeve 22, and a spiral spring 24 is mounted and confined upon the stem 23 between the diaphragm and a flange or shoulder 25, formed upon and internally of the outer end of the sleeve 22. The spring 24 is under tension and acts to retain the valve d open, so as to establish continuity in the passage-way between the inlet (1 and the outlet 01 of the valve-casing, and the tension of the spring is regulated by means of the adjustable sleeve 22, being increased or decreased according as the said sleeve is turned in the one direction or the other. Obviously if an air-pressure of twenty-five pounds is to be maintained upon the body of oil within the oil-supply reservoir the tension of the spring should be so regulated by a proper manipulation of the sleeve 22 that a back pressure of twenty-five pounds in the chamber of the valve-casing d and against the inner side of the diaphragm 18 shall be required to somewhat more than counterbalance the action of the spring, so as to result in the actuation of the said diaphragm outwardly, and thereby move the valve d, connected therewith, into its closing position. Obviously the air pressure required upon the oil within the oil-reservoir will be greater or less according as the vaporgenerator is located at a higher or lower elevation. The air-pressure required will also vary with the temperature of the atmosphere. Vapor-laden airfrom within the oil-reservoir is utilized insup'plying the generator-heater, hereinafter described, in commencing the operation of the said heater, and oil will vaporize more readily at a higher than at a lower temperature.

The pipe-line d at any suitable point between the back-pressure valve d and its discharging end, (see Fig. 11,) preferably within the outlet d of the valve-casing (1 is provided with a check-valve al and the said outlet is provided upon its surrounding wall with a seat 26 for the said check-valve, and the arrangement of parts is such that the checkvalve will engage the said seat,and thereby obstruct continuity in the passage-way through the outlet as soon as the desired air-pressure upon the body of oil within the oil-supply reservoir has been established. The provision of the check-valve d and the back-pressure valve d in one and the same valve-cas ing simplifies the construction and renders the assemblage of the parts convenient. The presence of a check-valve (Z between the chamber d of the valve-casin g d and the airpressure inlet of the oil-supply reservoir is important, because thereby any injury to or impairment of the diaphragm 18 of the said valve-casing which necessitates the repairing or renewal of the diaphragm will not interfere with the operation of the air-pressure already supplied to the oil-reservoir.

The pipe-line d to accommodate repairs in or a rearrangement of the said line between the valve-casing d and the oil-reservoir and to accommodate repairs on or a renewal of the check-valve d is provided in close proximity to the oil-reservoir with a valve (1 (see Fig. I) for interrupting continuity in the passageway through the said pipe-line next to the oil-reservoir. The valve 61 remains open, however, until closed for the purpose of repairing or renewing parts, as aforesaid.

The inlet (1 of the valve-casing d is provided with a cut-off valvesuch, forinstance, as a plug-valve d"-for cutting off the supply of air-pressure from the air-supply reservoir, and consequently by closing the valve cl repairs in or a renewal of the diaphragm 18 and connected valve (2 or seat for the latter are accommodated without interfering with the air-pressure within the air-reservoir.

The oil-supply reservoir (see Fig.1) has its top provided with a suitably-closed inlet 0 and has the said top provided also with an air-discharge valve 0 By closing the valve 61 and opening the valve 0 air-pressure within the oil-reservoir is relieved. A discharge of vapor-laden air from the oil-reservoirpreparatory to replenishing the said reservoir with oil is important to guard against the possibility of an explosion resulting from ac-. cident, and the removal of air-pressure from within the said reservoir preparatory to replenishing the reservoir with oil is important also to prevent the passage of oil to the vapor -generator should by inadvertence the valves 12' of the oil-conducting pipe-line b be left open.

Each upright pipe at of the generator is (see Fig. III) provided internally with an oilheating and oil-vaporizing cylindrical hollow drum f, which is arranged centrally of the said pipe a. The said drumf has such dimensions transversely and such arrangement within and relative to the generator-pipe a surrounding it that an annular vaporizingspace 30 is formed around the said drum within the said pipe a. The said drum f extends from within the chamber of the bottom section a of the generator upwardly through the said pipe at of the generator into the chamber of the cap or top section a of the generator. The said drum is closed, of

course, top and bottom, and has its bottom provided cent-rallywitha depending stemf, which rests upon the bottom of the chamber of the base a of the generator, and consequently holds the drum elevated above the said bottom. The said drum is held centrally within the surrounding generator-pipe a in any approved manner and preferably by means of several lugs f formed upon and externally of the drum at suitable intervals circumferentially of the drum. The said drum adds greatly to the area of the Vaporizing-surface of the generator, and consequently facilitates the vaporizing of the oil supplied to the generator. Especially is the hollow drum illustrated well adapted for use in facilitating the vaporizing of the oil, because the hollow drum is quickly heated and theair within the chamber of the drum is an excellent non-conductor of heat.

The lower wall of the chamber of the loottom section a of the generator is provided below each drum f with an aperture 29,which has its surrounding wall screw-threaded and is large enough in diameter to accommodate the introduction of the said druminto the generator and accommodate also the removal of the drum for cleaning purposes. A correspondingly externally threaded plug a closes the said aperture 29 and forms a portion of the bottom of the chamber of the section a of the generator, and the depending stem f of the said drum rests upon the said plug. The apertures 29 formed in the lower wall of the bottom section a of the generator and closed by the removable plugs a accommodate not only the introduction into and removal from the generator of the drum f, but afford also access to the interior of the generator-sections a, a, and a for cleaning purposes. I would here remark that the generator is supported in any approved manner, but is preferably mounted and secured upon a bracket or stand. (Not shown.)

The generator heater or burner (see Figs. III, VI, and VII) comprises, preferably, an S-shaped coil or pipe g, extending around both pipes at of the central section of the generator and arranged in a horizontal plane. The said coil 9 is closed at one end, as at g, Fig. VII, adjacent to the space betweentne pipes at and a of the generator, thence extends around one of the said pipes at in one direction, thence extends between the two pipes a and Ct',2t11(1 thence around the otherpipe ain the opposite direction, and thence terminates adjacent the space between two pipes in an inlet-forming arm g to which vapor-laden air from the airspace of the. oil-reservoir is conducted by means of a suitably-valved pipeline m, which leads from the top of the said reservoir, as shown in Fig. I. The coil (7 is provided at the top (see Figs. III, V, and VII) with vapor-discharging perforations, preferably in the form of slots 9 extending transversely of the coil and arranged at short intervals longitudinally of the coil.

The slots g in the central portion of the coil 9 extend entirely across the top of the coil,'so that the flames issuing from the said slots upon the ignition of the vapor discharged at the slots shall impinge against both pipes a and a of the generator. The slots g in the remaining portions of the coil 9 are formed only next adjacent to the said pipes at, so that the flames issuing from the last-mentioned slots upon the ignition of the vapor'discharged at the said slots impinge only against the adjacent pipe of the generator. The coil grests upon a shelf h, which'extends around and between the pipes a and a of the generator, and the said shelf is provided with numerous vertical perforations or air-inlets h (see also Fig. VIII) for'supplying air from below to the flames issuing from the coil during the operation of the burner or generator heater formed by the said coil. To eifect a proper circulation of the air thus supplied to the burnercoil 9, the shelf h is provided with an upwardly-projecting flange 77?, extending along the surrounding edge of the shelf around the lishing proper combustion during the operation of the burner. The shelf his secured to the vapor-generator, preferably by means of two set-screws 77. (see Figs. I, V, and V111,) which extend through correspondinglythreaded holes formed in lugs h, which are formed upon and depend from the said shelf, into engagement with the pipes or members a. of the generator. Obviously, therefore, the shelf h is adjustably supported and upon loosening the screws h is rendered free to be adjusted up or down to enable the setting of the shelf at the desired elevation and is socured in the desired adj ustmentby tightening the said screws. It appears almost superfluous to' remark that the flames issuing from the burner or generator heater and impinging against the pipes a and a of the generator heat the generator as required to effect the vaporizing of the oil supplied thereto.

A valve-casing Z and valves for controlling communication between the vapor-accumulating chamber of the top section 0f the generator and the vapor-inlet g of the generator-heater is provided at one side of the generator, preferably centrally between the pipes a and ct of the generator, as shown in Figs. III, V, and VII. The valve-casing Z (see Fig. V) comprises an upper horizontal space of the oil-supply reservoir.

'vapor-accumulating chamber of the top sec tion a of the generator has a vapor-outlet a communicating with the inner end of the vapor-conducting passage-way formed in the upper member Z of the valve-casing Z, and the vapor-conducting passage-way formed in the upright member Z of the said valve-casing connects the said passage-way in the upper valve-casing member Z with the vaporconducting passage-way formed in the lower member Z of the valve-casing, which lastmentioned passage-way is arranged to discharge, as already indicated, into the vaporinlet 9 of the generator-heater. The passage-way in the upper member Z of the valvecasing is suitably shaped to form a seat for a suitably-applied stub-valve Z", arranged to control communication through the said passage-way and employed to establish and interrupt communication between the chamber of the top section a of the generator and the vapor-inlet g of the generator-heater. The passageway formed in the lower horizontal member Z of the valve-casing Z is shaped as required to accommodate the reception and operation of a suitably-applied needle-valve Z extending into the said passage-way and employed to regulate the discharge of oilvapor from the said passage-way into the vapor-inlet g of the generator-heater.

The valve-casing Z(see Fig. V) is provided with a tubular member Z depending from the member Z of the said casing and arranged in line with, but of course below, the upright tubular member Z of the said casing. The depending member Z has the passage-way therethrough connected with the passage-way formed in the member Z of the valve-casing and is provided internally, a short distance below the passage-way in the said member Z with a seat Z for a suitably-applied stubvalve Z employed to interrupt and establish communication through the passage-way of the said depending member Z of the valvecasing, and the said depending member Z, below the valve-seat Z therein, is provided (see Figs. I and IX) with a laterally-projecting tubular arm Z", connected, in any approved manner with the pipe-line m, which, as already indicated, extends from the air- The members Z, Z and Z and the member Z and its arm Z are made of a single casting, and, obviously, the needle-valve Z is instrumental in regulating the supply of vapor to the inlet g of the generator-heater from the vaporconducting pipe on, as well as from the chamber of the top section a of the generator. The pipe m is preferably provided, in close proximity to the oil-supply reservoir, with a valve m for cutting off the supply of Vaporladen air to the said pipe-line when repairs or alterations in the said pipe-line or in the connected valve-casing Z become necessary. The peculiar construction of the valve-casing Z, hereinbefore described, is meritorious not only because it reduces to a minimum IfO the number of parts required to conduct vapor from the pipe m and from the generator to the vapor-inlet g of the generator-heater, but because it is exceedingly convenient in the assemblage of the parts.

Two valve-casings and 0 are arranged at opposite sides, respectively, of the top section a of the generator and secured to the said section a in any approved manner. Each valve-casing 0 (see Figs. I, III, and V1) is composed, preferably, of a cross-shaped casting comprising a horizontally-arranged tubular member 0 and a vertically-arranged tubular member 0 intersecting the member 0. The member 0' is screw-threaded externally at its inner end and engages a correspondingly threaded lateral aperture a, formed in the generator-section o The passage-way 0 formed in the horizontal member 0 of the said valve-casing, extends to the inner extremity of the said member and there communicates with the chamber of the top section a of the generator. The passage-way 0 formed in the vertical member 0 of the said valve-casing, extends to the upper extremity of the said member and there discharges into the lower end of a suitably-supported vertically-arranged cylindrical tube 9', which has its upper end discharging into the lower end of an upwardly-extending servicepipe 8, which is closed at its lower end,'as at ,9, around the tube 0'. The passage-ways 0 and 0 formed in the members 0' and 0 respectively, of the said valve-casing, intersect at 0 The passage-way 0 of the said valve-casing is suitably shaped to form a seat for a suitably-applied stub-valve 0 which extends into the said passage-way and controls communication between the said passage-way and the passage-way 0 of the valve-casing. The last-mentioned passage-Way 0 is formed as required to accommodate the reception and operation of a suitably-applied needlevalve 0 employed to regulate the feed of the heated vapor received thereby to the aforesaid tube 7. Each valve-casing 0 has its intersecting passage-ways 0 and 0 formed during the operation of casting the said casing, so as to avoid the necessity of subsequently boring holes and other expensive workmanship. I-Ieretofore valve-casings of the character indicated were made by boring holes to form two passage-ways arranged at right angles to each other and then boring a third hole between and connecting together the said passage-ways and plugging the said third hole at the outer end after having established communication between the two psssage-ways. Such construction was, obviously, not only expensive, but objectionable, in that leakage at the plugged end of the hole connecting the two passage-ways could not be efficiently and satisfactorily avoided. By my improved construction, involving the formation of the intersecting passage-ways 0 and 0 during the operation of casting the valve-casing, no subsequent outer sides of the said tubes.

drilling or expensive workmanship is required to connect the said passage-ways together, and leakage at or adjacent to the j unction of the said passage-ways is successfully avoided. Two vertically arranged cylindrical tubes rand r, (see Fig. III,),supported as will hereinafter appear, are in open relation, therefore, at the lower end with the upper and discharging end of the vapor-discharging passage way 0 of the adjacent valve-casin g 0.

The top section a of the generator is preferably provided at the top with an external flange a extending around the said section a The said generator-section a is provided upon its upper surface with two upwardlyprojecting and vertically-arranged lugs a and a which are formed integral with the said section a and are located a suitable distance apart and arranged between and adjacent to the vertically-arranged members 0 of the different valve-casings 0 and 0. The lugs a and a have their upper ends forming a support for a horizontally-arranged saddle 19, wherein a horizontally-arranged air-chamberforming casing t is seated, and the said saddlep is provided with two vertically-arranged apertures 19' and 10, snugly engaged by the upperend of the vertically-arranged member 0 of the different valve-casings o and 0, respectively, and the said saddle is provided around each aperture 19' with an upwardlyprojecting annular flange p snugly embrac ing the lower end of the adjacent vapor-receiving tube 9". The air-supply casing t extends a suitable distance laterally beyond the outer side of each tube r and the valvecasing 0, adjacent to the said tube, and is provided at each end with a removable perforated or screen-formin g cap 25, by removing 'which access is bad to the interior of the casing t.

The casing is composed, preferably, of two metallic sections that are joined end to end, as at '6 centrally between the tubes 1" and 1", which extend through or approximately through the said casing. A top plate 1' rests upon and extends longitudinally of the casing t, preferably between the tubes 1' and r and a suitable distance beyond the The casing is perforated, as at q, to accommodate the extension of the tubes 1' from within the said casing into the service-pipes s. The tubes 7' and the plate 0' are preferably composed of a single casting. The casing t is provided at the lower end of each tube 1" with an aperture 6 which accommodates the location of the saddles flange p embracing the said tube, and the said flange 19 forms a seat for a valve-forming sleeve r which snugly, but easily, embraces the lower end of the said tube 1" and is provided with a handle 9' for turning the same. The said sleeve r has braced portion of the said tube 7. Obviously the air supplied to each tube 1" from within the air-supply chamber of the casing 15 is regulated by a proper manipulation of the Valve-forming sleeve with which the said tube is provided. The air supplied to the tubes 4" from within the chamber of the easing t commingles with the heated oil-vapor conducted to the said tubes from the vaporgenerator and improves the combustion of the oil-vapor at the burners, (not shown,) which are supplied with the commingled oilvapor and air by the service-pipes s. The sleeves r and 7" rest upon the difierent flanges p and 10 respectively.

The plate 1" is rigidly but removably secured in place upon the air-supply casingt by means of two bolts 1' and 1", which extend vertically through the said plate and through the casingt into the differentlugs a and of, respectively formed on the top of the generator, as hereinbefore described. The heads of the bolts abut the upper surface of the plate 1", and the shanks 0f the bolts engage correspondingly-threaded holes formed in the said lugs, which consequently perform the function of nuts, between which and the heads of the bolts the saddle p, the casing t,

I and the plate 1" are clamped together upon tightening the bolts.

It will be observed that the lugs 72, elevate the saddle p and the air-supply casing 15 above the vapor-generator, so as to form an air-circulating space between the said saddle and the top of the said generator and accommodate a free circulation of air around the airsupply casing t, and thereby reduce the liability of the air within the said casing being heated by the heat rising or radiating from the generator-heater when the latter is in operation. To positively preventthe air within the air-supply casing from being modified in temperature by heat rising or radiating from the generator-heater, I cover the said casing at the bottom and Well up on the sides with a layer to of asbestos or other material that is not only a good non-conductor of heat, but is fireproof, and therefore there is no liability of the origin of an explosion or fire within the tubes 1- or the connected servicepipes, and any flame arising from the generator or sparks resulting from the ignition of dust or combustible particles upon the generator and connected parts have no ingress to the interior of the casing 15, tubes 1', and connected service-pipes from below the said casing. I would remark, also, that to confine the flame arising from the generator-heater during the operation of the said heater below the top of the vapor-generator and to obtain the proper combustion during the operation of the said heater I have provided a guard forming laterally-perforated casing 10, preferably of sheet metal, extending around the vapor-generator between the generator-heater and the flange a of the top section 0, of the generator. The said guard, at its upper end,

abuts against the under side of the said flange C67 and is slotted or cut away to accommodate the location of the valve-casings o and o and Z where the said casings join the top section a of the generator. The said guard atits lower end embraces the flange k of the generator-heater-supporting shelf h and is secured to the said flange h preferably removable by means of screws w. The said guard 11) has numerous lateral perforations or air-inlets w for admitting to the flames issuing from the generator-heaterduring the operation of the heater the requisite supply of air to support the combustion. The said guard prevents an external draft or currents of air from interfering with the flames issuing'from the generator-heater and is instruinental in confining the said flames below the top section a of the generator and around the pipes at and a of the generator. The said guard is instrumental also in excluding dirt and dust from the generator-heater and from the generator between the heater and the top section of the generator.

The operation of the apparatus,'as already indicated, is as follows: The tank 0 is kept supplied with oil, and the desired air-pressure is maintained upon the body of the oil within the said tank. The valve or valves 1) of the oil-supply pipe I) are opened, if not already open, preparatory to the operation of the vapor-generator, so as to flow oil from the said pipe into the generator, and the valve 'm' of the vapor-conducting pipe m is opened if not already opened. Oil having been supplied to the vapor-generator the normally closed valve Z of the valve-casing l is opened, so as to supply vapor-laden air from the pipe m to the vapor-inlet g of the generator-heater. The mixture of oil-vapor and air discharged into the generator-heater is ignited by means of a lighted match held next to the heater next below the shelf h or at perforations 10 in the casing to. Vapor quickly accumulates within the generator and is conducted from the chamber of the top section a of the generator through the valve-casing Z by opening the stub-valve Z which is normally closed, to the vapor-inlet g of the generator-heater. The needle-valve Z is manipulated to obtain the desired flow of vapor from the valvecasing lto the generator-heater. Of course as soon as the generator has been heated by the flame resulting from the ignition of vaporladen oil supplied to the generator by the pipe m to form a suitable quantity of vapor within the generator the valve Z of the valvecasing Zis closed, so that the generator-heater is then only supplied with vapor conducted from the generator. The vapor is conducted from the generator through the valve-casings 0 into the tubes 7', into which a suitable quantity of air, by proper manipulation of the valves with which the said tubes are provided, is introduced, and the air and vapor conducted to the said tubes 1' commingle and rise into the service-pipess.

IIO

The construction, assemblage, and application of the parts 1), r, 9", 1' and f are, it will be observed, exceedingly simple and convenient for cleaning and repairs.

What I claim is- 1. Apparatus of the character indicated, comprising a vapor-generator having an oilinlet at the lower end and a vapor-on tlet at its upper end, means for supplying oil to the said oil-inlet, a generator-heater arranged between the upper and lower ends of the generator and provided with a vapor-inlet, a pipe-line for supplying oil-vapor-laden air to the generator-heater, and a valve-casing having the following: an upper tubular vaporreceiving member in open relation with the aforesaid vapor-outlet of the generator and extendinglaterally of the generator outwardly from the said vapor-outlet, a lower tubular vapor-discharging member arranged to discharge into the vapor-inlet of the generatorheater, an upright tubular member having the passage-way therethrough connecting the passage-ways formed in the aforesaid vaporreceiving member and vapor discharging member of the valve-casing, a valve for interrupting and forestablishinga flow of vapor from the generator through the said valvecasing, a tubular member having the passageway formed therein connected with the passage-way of the aforesaid vapor-discharging member of the valve-casing and connected and in open relation with the aforesaid pipe line, a needle-valve for regulating the discharge of vapor from the vapor-discharging member of the valve-casing, and a valve for establishing and for interrupting the flow of vapor-laden air from the said pipe-line to the said vapor-discharging member of the valve casing, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. Apparatus of the character indicated, comprising a vapor-generator having an oilinlet at the lower end and avapor-ontlet at its upper end, means for supplying oil to the said oil-inlet,a generator-heater arranged between the upper and lower ends of the generator and provided with a vapor-inlet, a pipe-line for supplying oil-vapor-laden air to the generator-heater, and a valve-casing having the following: an upper tubular vapor-receiving member in open relation with the aforesaid vapor-outlet of the generator and extending laterally of the generator outwardly from the said vapor-outlet, a lower tubular vapor-discharging member arranged to discharge into the vapor-inlet of the generator-heater, an upright tubular member having the passageway therethrough connecting the passageways formed in the aforesaid vapor-receiving member and vapor-discharging member of the valve-casing, a valve for interrupting and for establishing the flow of vapor from the generator through the valve-casing, a tubular member depending from the aforesaid vapor-discharging member of the valve-casing and having the passage-way formed therein connected with the passage-way of the said vapor discharging valve casing member, which depending valve-casing member has a laterally-projectin g tubular arm connected and in open relation with the aforesaid pipeline, a needle-valve for regulating the dis-- charge of vapor from the vapor-discharging mem ber of the valve-casing and another valve for establishing and for interrupting the flow of vapor-laden air from the said pipe-line into the said vapor-discharging member of the valve-casing, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

3. Apparatus of the character indicated, comprising a vapor-generator having an oilinlet at the lower end and a vapor-outlet at its upper end, means for supplying oil to the said oilinlet,a generator-heater arranged between the upper and lower ends of the generator and provided with a vapor-inlet, a pipe-1i no for supplying oil-vapor-laden air to the generator-heater, and a valve-casing having the following: an upper tubular vapor-receiving member arranged to receive vapor from the aforesaid vapor-outlet of the generator and extending laterally of the generator outwardly from the said vapor-outlet, stubvalve within the said vapor-receiving member of the valve-casing,a lower tubular vapordischarging member arranged to discharge into the vapor-inlet of the generator-heater, a needle-valve within the said vapor-discharging member of the valve-casing, an upright tubular member having the passageway therethrough connecting the passageways formed in the aforesaid vapor-receiving member and vapor-discharging member of the valve-casing, a tubular member depending from the said vapor-discharging member and having the passage-way formed therein connected with the passage-way in the said vapor-discharging member, which depending member has a laterally-projecting tubular arm connected with and in open relation with the aforesaid pipe-line, and a stub-valve within the said depending member, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

4. The combination,with a vapor-generator comprising a chambered bottom section having an oil-inlet, a chambered top section having vapor-outlets, and an upright tubular central section establishing open relation between the chamber of the bottom section and the chamber of the top section, and means for supplying oil to the aforesaid inlet, of a generator-heater comprising a coil extending around the central section of the generator and provided with perforations arranged to discharge against the said central section, which coil has a vapor-inlet; a shelf bearing the said coil and having air-supply perforations, and means for controlling and regulating the supply of vapor from one of the aforesaid vapor-outlets of the generator to the vapor-inlet of the said coil, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

The combination,withavapor-gencrator comprising a chambered bottom section hav ing an oil-inlet, a chambered top section having vapor-outlets, and an upright tubular central section establishing open relation between the chamber of the bottom section and the chamber of the top section, and means for supplying oil to the aforesaid oil-inlet, of a generator-heater comprising a coil which is provided, at the top, with perforations arranged to discharge against the said central section, and has a vapor-inlet; a shelf hearing the said coil and having air-supply perforations, which shelf is provided with an upwardly-projecting flange extending around the coil, and means for controlling and regulating the supply of vapor from one of the aforesaid vapor-outlets of the generator to the vapor-inlet of the said coil, substantially as shown, for the purpose specified.

G. The combination, with avapor-generator comprisinga chambered bottom section having an oil-inlet, a chambered top section having vapor-outlets, and an upright tubular central section establishing open relation between the chamber of the bottom section and the chamber of the top section, and means for supplying oil to the aforesaid oil-inlet, of a generator-heater comprising a coil extending around the central section of the generator and provided, at the 'top, with perforations varranged to discharge against the said central section, which coil has a vapor-inlet; means for controlling and regulating the supply of vapor from one of the aforesaid vaporoutlets of the generator to the vapor-inlet of the said coil; a shelf bearing the said coil and supported from the generator, which shelf has air-supply perforations, and a guardforming laterally-perforated casing extending around the central section of the generator between the top section of the generator and the said shelf and secured to the said shelf, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

7. Thecombination,withaVapor-generator comprising a chambered bottom section having an oil-inlet, a chambered top section havingvapor-outlets, and an upright tubular central section establishing open relation between the chamber of the bottom section and the chamber of the top section, and means for supplying oil to the aforesaid oil-inlet, of the generator-heater comprising a coil extending around the central section of the generator, and provided, at the top, with perforations arranged to discharge against the said central section, which coil has a vapor-inlet; means for controlling and regulating the supply of vapor from one of the aforesaid vaporoutlets of the generator to the vapor-inlet of the said coil, a shelf bearing the said coil and extending around and supported from the central section of the generator, which shelf has air-supply perforations and a surrounding upwardly-projecting flange, and a guardforming laterally-perforated casing extending aroundthe central section of the generator and secured to the said flange, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

8. 'lhecombination,withavapor-generator comprising a bottom section having an oil-inlet, a chambered top section having vaporoutlets and an external laterally-projecting flange and an upright tubular central section establishing open relation between the chamber of the bottom section and the chamber of the top section, and means for supplying oil to the aforesaid oil-inlet, of a generator-heater comprising a coil extending around the central section of the generator, and provided, at the top, with perforations arranged to discharge against the said central section, which coil has a vapor-inlet; means for controlling and regulating the supply of vapor from one of the aforesaid vapor-outlets of the generator to the vapor-inlet of the said coil and extending around and supported from the central section of the generator, a shelf bearing the said coil and having air-supply perforations, and a guard-forming laterally-perforated casing surrounding the central section of the generator and extending from the aforesaid flange of the top section of the generator to the said shelf and attached to the shelf, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

9. Thecombinatiomwitha vapor-generator comprising a chambered bottom section having an oil-inlet, a chambered top section having vapor-outlets, and an upright tubular central section establishing open relation between the chamber of the bottom section and the chamber of the top section, and means for supplying oil to the aforesaid oil-inlet, of a generator-heater comprising a coil surrounding the central section of the generator, and provided, at the top, with perforations arranged to discharge against the said central section, which coil has a vapor-inlet; means for controlling and regulating the supply of vapor from one of the aforesaid vapor-outlets of the generator to the vapor-inlet of the said coil; a shelf bearing the said coil and adjustable vertically, and means for securing the said shelf in the desired adjustment to the central section of the generator, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

10. Apparatus of the character indicated, comprising a vapor-generator having a chambered top section provided with vapor-outlets, an upright tubular central section in open relation at its upper end, with the chamber of the top section, and a chambered bottom section having its chamber in open relation with the lower end of the central section and provided with an oil-inlet, which bottom section has the lower wall of its chamber provided with an aperture in registry with the central section of the generator, a removable plug closing the said aperture, a drum arranged internally and centrally of the central section of the generator and extending from within the bottom section to within the top section of the generator, means for holding the said drum centrally of the central generator-seetion, means for holding the drum elevated above the lower wall of the bottom section of the generator, the generator-heater having a vapor-inlet, and means for controlling and regulating the supply of vapor from one of the aforesaid vapor-outlets of the generator to the vapor-inlet of the generator-heater and the aforesaid plugged aperture being large enough to accommodate theintroductioninto, or removal from, the central generator-section, of the aforesaid drum.

11. Apparatus of the character indicated, comprising a vapor-generator having a chambered bottom section provided with an oilinlet, a chambered top section having vaporoutlets, and pipes arranged a suitable distance apart laterally and establishing open relation between the chamber of the bottom section and the chamber of the top section, a generator-heater comprising a coil extending around the aforesaid pipes and having perforations arranged to discharge against the said pipes and provided with a vapor-inlet, and means for controlling and regulating the supply of vapor from one of the aforesaid vapor-outlets of the generator to the vapor-inlet of the said coil.

12. Apparatus of the character indicated,

J comprising a vapor-generator having a chambered bottom section provided with an oilinlet, a chambered top section having vaporoutlets, an d upright pipes arranged a suitable distance apart laterally and establishing open relation between the chamber of the bottom section and the chamber of the top section, a generator-heater comprising a coil extending around the'said pipes and closed at one'end and having a vapor-inlet at its other end, which coil is provided, at the top, with perforations arranged to discharge against the said pipes, and means for controlling and regulating the supply of vapor from one of the aforesaid vapor-outlets of the generator to the vapor-inlet of the said coil.

13. Apparatus of the character indicated, comprising a vapor-generator having a chambered bottom section provided with an oilinlet, a chambered top section having vaporoutlets, and two upright pipes arranged a suitable distance apart laterally and establishing open relation between the chamber of the bottom section and the chamber of the top section, a generator-heater comprising an S-shaped coil surrounding both of the said 'pipes and extending between the pipes and provided, at, the top, with perforations arranged to discharge against the said pipes, which coil is closed atone end and has its other end terminating in a vapor-inlet, and means for controlling and regulating the supply of vapor from one of the aforesaid vapor-outlets of the generator to the vapor-inlet of the said coil.

14:. Apparatus of the character indicated, comprising a vapor-generator having a chambered bottom section provided with an oil- 'inlet, a chambered top section having vaporoutlets, and two upright pipes arranged a suitable distance apart laterally and establishing open relation between the chamber of the bottom section and the chamber of the top section, a generator-heater comprising an S-shaped coil surrounding bothof the aforesaid pipes and extending between the pipes and provided, at the top and at suitable intervals longitudinally of the coil, with perforations arranged to discharge against the said pipes,- which coil is closed at one end and has its other end forminga vapor-inlet means for controlling and regulating the supply of vapor from one of the aforesaid vapor-outlets of the generator to the vapor-inlet of the said coil, a shelf instrumental in supporting the coil and secured to both of the aforesaid pipes, which shelf has air-supply perforations, and a laterally-perforated guard-forming casing extending around the generator next above and attached to the said shelf, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

15. In apparatus of the character indicated, a vapor-generator having its upper end provided with a vapor-outlet, a saddle elevated above the generator so as to form an air-space between it and the top of the generator, an air-receiving casing arranged in a horizontal plane and seated on the aforesaid saddle, an upwardly-extending service-pipe, an upright tube arranged to discharge into the said service-pipe and having an air-inlet arranged to receive air from within the air-receiving casing, and a valve-casing interposed between the aforesaid vapor-outlet of the generator and the lower end of the said tube and having valved passage-ways for controlling and regulating the passage of vapor from the generator to the said tube.

16. In apparatus of the character indicated, a vapor-generator provided with a chambered vapor-receiving top section having two lateral vapor outlets arranged diametrically opposite each other; upwardly projecting lugs formed upon the said top section; a saddle mounted on the said lugs, an air-receiving casing arranged in a horizontal plane and mounted on the said saddle; two upwardlyextending service-pipes arranged a suitable distance apart longitudinally of the top of the said casing; two vupright tubes arranged to discharge upwardly into the different servicepipes, respectively, and extending approximately through the aforesaid air-receiving casing and provided, respectively, with a lateral air-inlet, and two valve-casings interposed between the different vapor-outlets, respectively, of the generator and the lower end of the different aforesaid tubes, respectively, and having valved passage-ways for controlling and regulating the passage of vapor from the generator to the said tubes.

17. In apparatus of the character indicated, a vapor-generator having two vapor-outlets arranged a suitable distance apart; an airreceiving casing arranged in a horizontal plane and supported above the generator; two upwardly-extending service-pipes arranged a suitable distance apart longitudinally of the top of the said casing; two upright tubes arranged to discharge upwardly into the different service-pipes, respectively, and extending approximately through the aforesaid air-receiving casing and provided, respectively, with lateral holes or apertures; two sleeves turnably mounted upon the different aforesaid tubes, respectively, and having lateral holes or apertures arranged to render them capable of registering with the lateral holes or apertures of the respective tubes, and two valve-casings interposed between the different vapor-outlets, respectively, of the generator and the lower end of the different aforesaid tubes, respectively, and having valved passage-ways for controlling and regulating the passage of vapor from the generator tothe said tubes, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

18. In apparatus of the characterindicated, a vapor-generator provided with a chambered vapor-receiving top section having two lateral vapor-outlets arranged a suitable distance apart; two upwardly-projecting lugs formed upon the said top section and arranged a suitable distance apart; a saddle mounted on the said lugs and having two apertures arranged a suitable distance apart and upwardly-projecting flanges extending about the apertures; an airreceiving casing arranged in a horizontal plane and seated on the'saddle and perforated at the bottom to' accommodate the location of the aforesaid flanges; two upwardly extending servicepipes arranged above the said casing over the different saddle-apertures, respectively; two upright tubes arranged to discharge upwardly into the different service-pipes, respectively, and extending into the different saddle-apertures, respectively, and provided, respectively, with a lateral air-inlet, and two valvecasings interposed between the different va por-outlets, respectively, of the top section of the generator and the lower end of the'different aforesaid tubes, respectively, and having valved passage-ways for controlling and regulating the passage of Vapor from the generator to the said tubes, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

19. In apparatus of the character indicated,

a vapor-generator provided, at its upper end, with two vapor-outlets arranged a suitable distance apart; upwardly-projecting lugs formed upon the upper end of the generator, a saddle mounted upon the said lugs; an airreceiving casing arranged in a horizontal plane and composed of two tubular sections arranged end to end and seated in the aforesaid saddle; a top plate extending over and resting upon both of the said sections; bolts or screws extending through the said top plate into the aforesaid lugs; two upwardly-extending service-pipes arranged above and a suitable distance apart longitudinally of the said casing; two upright tubes arranged to discharge upwardly into the different; servicepipes, respectively, and extending approximately through the said casing, and provided, respectively, with an air-inlet in open relation with the chamber of the aforesaid casing,anrl two valve-casings interposed between the difierent vapor-outlets, respectively, of the generator and the lower end of the different aforesaid tubes, respectively, and having valved passage-ways for controlling and regulating the passage of vapor from the generator to the said tubes.

20. Inapparatnsofthecharacterindicated, a vapor-generator provided, at its upperend, with a vapor-outlet; upwardly-projectinglugs formed upon the upper end of the generator; a saddle mounted upon the said lugs; an airreceiving casing arranged in a horizontal plane and seated in the saddle; a layer offireproof material, which is a good non-conductor of heat, covering the lower portion of the said casing; means for supplying oil to the generator; agenerator-heater extending around the' generator; a service-pipe extending upwardly above the aforesaid air-receiving casing; an upright tube arranged to discharge upwardly into the service-pipe and extending approximately through the said air-receiving casing and provided with a lateral air-inlet in open relation with the chamber of the said casing, and a valve-casing interposed between the vapor-outlet of the generator and the lower end of the aforesaid tube and having valved passage-ways for controlling and regulating the passage of vapor from the generator to the said tube, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

Signed by me at Cleveland, Ohio, this 2d day of April, 1901.

THOMAS J. FORDE. 

